The Countess of Wessex is one of hundreds of visitors who have spent time in the Church on Show pavilion at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate. The exhibition has become an important feature of the mammoth event held each year at the Great Yorkshire Showground and visitors including Bishop James Bell (below right), have been trying out activities and interactive displays presented by churches from across Yorkshire.
This year, the Gospel theme is “Travelling Hopefully”. Young and old have been invited to take part in activities which explore life’s journey by means of puzzles and visual challenges.
Nic Sheppard one of the organisers, pictured above left with fellow co-ordinator, Revd Caroline Hewlett and Bishop James, said, "This is a great opportunity during a busy day at the show for our stewards to accompany visitors as they reflect on where they have got to and what they want to achieve in their lives. Aspects of the display give clear reference to the Christian Hope and throughout it presents the Church in action - listening and engaging with those we encounter.”
A new addition this year is a live Twitter feed which will give visitors the opportunity to share their thoughts far beyond the show. 
Anyone can follow the feed via twitter: @churchonshow or add their own comments with the hashtag: #showchurch2014
Pictured below is Revd Maureen Browell, Chair of the Church on Show design group with Bishop James. She accompanied Sophie, Countess of Wessex on her visit and said the Countess was very interested in the whole exhibition, and spent time reading prayers which had been written by visitors and were floating in the prayer 'pool' .
